Maryland government retirees in an uproar over looming change to prescription drug coverage

The Baltimore Sun reports:

Maryland government retirees are in an uproar over changes coming to their prescription drug coverage after receiving letters from the Hogan Administration that some say are politically charged.

The Maryland Department of Budget & Management started sending letters to retirees last month to explain that their drug coverage shift from a state plan to a federal Medicare Part D plan on Jan. 1. The letter blamed the General Assembly and the administration of former Gov. Martin O’Malley for the switch and some criticized Hogan for politicizing it as he seeks re-election.

Retirees from around the state, many on fixed incomes, have been calling legislative and local union offices worried about whether the switch will cost them more to pay for critical, life-sustaining drugs.

Some say the changes are coming too quickly. Enrollment for the roughly 38,000 state retirees begins in October for the new coverage starting at the beginning of next year.

Government workers have concerned about their benefits....